Download or read book The Birthday Murder An American Mystery Classic written by Lange Lewis and published by Penzler Publishers. This book was released on 2023-08-01 with total page 144 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: When her husband is murdered using a method from one of her books, a screenwriter becomes the main suspect A successful writer and a B-movie director seem like the perfect match in the Hollywood Hills and, with him working to produce her novel for an upcoming film, the pair’s recent marriage isn’t the only way that they’re connected. When the husband is found murdered on the wife’s birthday using a method of poisoning that was described in one of her books, Victoria suddenly becomes the main suspect as her new happy life comes crashing down around her. The case appears straightforward from the outside but the LAPD investigator on the scene finds the truth to be anything but. Though all the signs point to Victoria, there’s no motive to be found. Now, to solve the mystery of whodunnit, he’ll have to dig beneath the veneer of the household and reveal its inner workings, and to understand the deadly drama that unfolded just beneath the surface. Reprinted for the first time in over half a century, The Birthday Murder is a beautifully written and psychologically astute Golden Age mystery set in old Los Angeles. It will appeal to fans of vintage whodunnits and of standout domestic suspense authors from the era such as Dorothy B. Hughes, Charlotte Armstrong, and Margaret Millar.

Download or read book Death of a Mystery Writer written by Robert Barnard and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2013-02-26 with total page 188 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From award-winning mystery writer Robert Barnard comes a classic British whodunit about a bestselling author who is murdered—and his latest unpublished manuscript has gone missing. Sir Oliver Fairleigh-Stubbs, overweight and overbearing, collapses and dies at his birthday party while indulging his taste for rare liquors. He had promised his daughter he would be polite and charitable for the entire day, but the strain of such exemplary behavior was obviously too great. He leaves a family relieved to be rid of him, and he also leaves a fortune, earned as a bestselling mystery author. But the manuscript of the unpublished volume left to Sir Oliver’s wife, a posthumous “last case” that might be worth millions, has disappeared. And Sir Oliver’s death is beginning to look less than natural.

Download or read book Golden Age Locked Room Mysteries written by Otto Penzler and published by National Geographic Books. This book was released on 2022-07-26 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Fourteen impossible crimes from the American masters of the form For devotees of the Golden Age mystery, the impossible crime story represents the period’s purest form: it presents the reader with a baffling scenario (a corpse discovered in a windowless room locked from the inside, perhaps), lays out a set of increasingly confounding clues, and swiftly delivers an ingenious and satisfying solution. During the years between the two world wars, the best writers in the genre strove to outdo one another with unfathomable crime scenes and brilliant explanations, and the puzzling and clever tales they produced in those brief decades remain unmatched to this day. Among the Americans, some of these authors are still household names, inextricably linked to the locked room mysteries they devised: John Dickson Carr, Ellery Queen, Clayton Rawson, Stuart Palmer. Others, associated with different styles of crime fiction, also produced great works—authors including Fredric Brown, MacKinlay Kantor, Craig Rice, and Cornell Woolrich. All of these and more can be found in Golden Age Locked Room Mysteries, selected by Edgar Award-winning mystery expert and anthologist Otto Penzler. Featuring a delightful mix of well-known writers and unjustly-forgotten masters, the fourteen tales included herein highlight the best of the American impossible crime story, promising hours of entertainment for armchair sleuths young and old.

Download or read book Home Sweet Homicide written by Craig Rice and published by Open Road Media. This book was released on 2018-03-20 with total page 291 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From the “grand dame of mystery mixed with screwball comedy”: The children of a widowed mystery writer play amateur sleuths and matchmakers (Ed Gorman, Ellery Queen Award–winning author). When your mom’s a mystery writer, a talent for detection is only natural. So when the three children of prolific whodunit author Marion Carstairs become material witnesses in a neighborhood murder, they launch their own investigation. And why not? They know everything about baffling mysteries from reading their mother’s books, the publicity could do wonders for her sales, and then she and a handsome detective could fall in love. It’s too perfect for words. Marion’s too busy wrapping up the loose ends of her latest book for the inconvenience of a real crime. But what’s surfacing in the shadows of the house next door is not quite as predictable as fiction: accusations of racketeering, kidnapping and blackmail; a slain stripper; a grieving but slippery husband; a wily French artist; a panicky movie star; and a cop who’s working Marion’s last nerve. If the kids are game, Marion decides she is too—in between chapters, at least. Besides, this whole dangerous bloody mess could turn out to be a source of inspiration! This stand-alone mystery was the basis for the classic 1946 comedy starring Randolph Scott and Peggy Ann Garner and “makes clear why Craig Rice remains one of the best writers of mystery fiction” (Jeffery Marks, author of Who Was That Lady?).

Download or read book Dread Journey written by Dorothy B. Hughes and published by Open Road Media. This book was released on 2013-06-18 with total page 232 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A starlet on a transcontinental train fears her director may be trying to kill her in this novel by Mystery Writers of America Grand Master Dorothy B. Hughes. Four years after she arrived in Los Angeles, Kitten Agnew has become a star. Though beautiful and talented, she’d be nowhere without Vivien Spender: Hollywood’s most acclaimed director—and its most dangerous. But Kitten knew what she was getting into when she got involved with him; she had heard the stories of Viv’s past discoveries: Once he discarded them, they ended up in a chorus line, a sanatorium, or worse. She knows enough of his secrets that he wouldn’t dare destroy her career. But he may be willing to kill her. On a train from Los Angeles to Chicago, Kitten learns that Viv is planning to offer her roommate a part that was meant for her. If she lets him betray her, her career will be over. But fight for the part, and she will be fighting for her life as well.

Download or read book Your Turn Mr Moto written by John P. Marquand and published by Open Road Media. This book was released on 2015-08-18 with total page 128 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The thrilling 1st installment in Pulitzer Prize–winning author John P. Marquand’s classic espionage series featuring Imperial Japan’s most skillful spy Capitalizing on his heroic career as a World War I flying ace, Casey Lee agrees to pilot a plane across the Pacific as a publicity stunt for an American tobacco company. But his future as a goodwill ambassador between East and West takes a nosedive when the flight is abruptly canceled. Stranded in Tokyo, his bank account rapidly dwindling, Casey is approached by Mr. Moto, a secret agent with a job to offer. The work entails a matter of grave international importance—and it pays well. Casey accepts the proposition and boards a steamship bound for Shanghai, where his mission will begin. His fellow passengers include Mr. Moto and Sonya, a beautiful exile from White Russia with her own private agenda. When a Chinese man turns up dead in Casey’s stateroom, the trio is caught up in a dangerous game of intrigue and deceit, the outcome of which might just determine the fate of their nations. First serialized in the Saturday Evening Post, John P. Marquand’s popular and acclaimed Mr. Moto Novels were the inspiration for 8 films starring Peter Lorre.

Download or read book The Birthday Murder written by Lange Lewis and published by . This book was released on 1948 with total page 192 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Rim of the Pit written by Hake Talbot and published by American Mystery Classics. This book was released on 2023-10-03 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The cult classic mystery that John Dickson Carr hailed as "a marvel of ingenuity."

Download or read book Golden Age Bibliomysteries An American Mystery Classic written by Otto Penzler and published by Penzler Publishers. This book was released on 2023-07-11 with total page 284 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In these classic mystery tales, literature is a matter of life or death Of crime fiction’s many sub-genres, none is so reflexive and so intriguing as the “bibliomystery”: stories that involve crimes set, somehow, in the world of books. In Vincent Starrett’s “A Volume of Poe,” a bookseller is murdered; in Ellery Queen’s “The Adventure of the Three R’s,” the detective tracks the disappearance of a local Missouri author; and a killer stalks the stacks of the New York Public Library in Robert L. Blochman’s “Death Walks in Marble Halls.” With fourteen tales of bibliophilic transgression from the Golden Age of the mystery genre (the decades between the two World Wars), this volume collects stories guaranteed to entertain, featuring work from well-remembered authors such as Cornell Woolrich and Anthony Boucher and from those that are lesser-known today, such as Carolyn Wells and James Gould Cozzens. Edgar Award-winning anthologist, editor, bookseller, and mystery scholar Otto Penzler has focused extensively on the history of the bibliomystery, and his expertise shines in this enjoyable collection—both in the selection of stories, and in the informative and illuminating introductions that accompany each one.

Download or read book Cat s Paw written by Roger Scarlett and published by National Geographic Books. This book was released on 2022-04-26 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: When a wealthy bachelor is murdered in his baroque Boston mansion, a bizarre clue holds the key to whodunnit Martin Greenough’s walled-off mansion is the last remaining holdout in the Boston parkland known as the Fenway—and the fact that it eluded condemnation by the city is a testament to the elderly bachelor’s great wealth. Childless and nearing the end of his life, he surrounds himself with only his cat, his servants, and a friend, Mrs. Warden—to say nothing of the circle of extended family members whose lives he both subsidizes and rules from afar, the nieces and nephews who all seem to be more fond of Uncle Mart’s money than they are of his character. On the eve of his birthday, Greenough requests the presence of his heirs at his home, insisting that he has something important to discuss. Before that discussion can take place, though, the man is murdered in his study. In one way or another nearly everyone there would benefit by his death, and none gathered seem terribly upset by it, so finding the culprit is no easy task for Inspector Kane of the Boston PD. But as he untangles the threads and unburies dark family secrets, the discovery of a bizarre clue might hold the key to solving the crime. A classical “closed circle” mystery featuring a colorful cast of characters, Cat’s Paw exemplifies the puzzling, house-bound tales for which Roger Scarlett is remembered today. It is sure to delight any fan of pure, Golden Age detective stories—especially those with a love of architecturally-focused plots. Includes discussion guide questions for use in book clubs.

Download or read book Birthdays Can be Murder written by Joyce Cato and published by . This book was released on 2012 with total page 251 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Hired to cater the birthday party of wealthy twins Alicia and Justin Greer, chef Jenny Sterling finds herself investigating murder with an ample lists of suspects after a champagne toast leaves Justin dead and his sister clinging to life.

Download or read book The Red Right Hand written by Joel Townsley Rogers and published by Hachette UK. This book was released on 2021-10-14 with total page 172 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A deranged killer sends a doctor on a quest for the truth - deep into the recesses of his own mind. 'Deserves its reputation as one of the greatest mysteries of all time' PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, starred review What really happened to Inis St. Erme? What was his fatal mistake? Was it when he and his bride-to-be first set out to elope in Vermont? Or did his deadly error occur later, when they picked up a terrifying hitch-hiker, or when the three stopped at 'Dead Bridegroom's Pond' for a picnic? Dr Riddle is determined to find out, but he soon uncovers a series of bizarre coincidences that leave him questioning his sanity and his innocence. After all, he too walked those wild, deserted roads the night of the murder, stranded and struggling to get home to New York City. The more he reflects, the more his own memories become increasingly uncertain, as he veers into the irrational territory of pure terror...

Download or read book Rim of the Pit An American Mystery Classic written by Hake Talbot and published by Penzler Publishers. This book was released on 2023-10-03 with total page 275 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The cult classic mystery that John Dickson Carr hailed as “a marvel of ingenuity.” “I came here to make a dead man change his mind.” So begins a creepy and unusual mystery celebrated to this day as one of the greatest “impossible crime” novels of all time. When a family’s promise to protect the beloved pine grove of their dead father creates a financial strain, a seance is suggested to summon the ghost of the late logger and ask its permission. A mixed group of skeptics and believers convene at a snow-bound lodge to call the spirit with a group that includes a gambler, a businessman, a clairvoyant, a professor, and a refugee, among others. With so many diverse interests at the table, the tensions run high — but when one of the participants ends up dead, there is reason to suspect that a nefarious spirit is to blame. The body is discovered in a locked room, impenetrable from the outside — just one of many bizarre and inexplicable circumstances surrounding the scene of the crime. There is also the trail of footprints in the snow, beginning and ending amid a field of untouched powder; another on the roof, with the tracks leading for a short distance before vanishing into nothingness; and, there are fingerprints on a gun suspended at an unreachable height… Supernatural undertones and eerie atmosphere clear away in the third act to present a logical conclusion to the case, teasing out the clues and murder methods that unscrupulous readers may have missed. With its off-beat exposition, puzzling plot and exceptional prose, Rim of the Pit is a cult classic of the Golden Age era deserving of a wide audience today.

Download or read book The Birthday Murder written by Lange Lewis and published by American Mystery Classics. This book was released on 2023-08 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: When her husband is murdered using a method from one of her books, a screenwriter becomes the main suspect

Download or read book BRITISH MURDER MYSTERIES Boxed Set 350 Thriller Classics Detective Novels True Crime Stories written by Arthur Conan Doyle and published by Good Press. This book was released on 2024-01-18 with total page 18270 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The 'BRITISH MURDER MYSTERIES Boxed Set' encompasses an illustrious collection that transcends the mere confines of thriller classics, detective novels, and true crime stories, presenting readers with a panorama of literary artistry. From the fog-laden streets of Victorian London to the intricate puzzles of the early twentieth century, this anthology showcases a diverse range of storytelling techniques, narrative structures, and ingenious plot developments that have shaped and defined the genre. The inclusion of standout pieces from renowned figures adds depth, ensuring the collections place within the broader literary context of mystery and detective fiction. The anthology not merely entertains but serves as a testament to the evolution of the mystery genre. The contributing authors, including luminaries such as Arthur Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie, and Wilkie Collins, among others, collectively offer a rich tapestry of cultural and historical perspectives. Their individual and joint contributions illuminate the myriad ways in which the mystery genre has encapsulated societal anxieties, moral dilemmas, and the quintessential human quest for justice and truth. The backgrounds of these authors, spanning different epochs and socio-political milieu, reflect the evolution of detective fiction in response to changing societal norms and literary tastes, aligning the collection with significant cultural and literary movements. This anthology is an indispensable treasure for aficionados of the mystery genre, educators seeking to broaden their curriculum, and anyone with an interest in the intersection between crime, society, and literature. The 'BRITISH MURDER MYSTERIES Boxed Set' offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the works of some of the most influential figures in detective literature. It invites readers to embark on a labyrinthine journey through the hallmarks of suspense and intrigue, providing a unique lens through which to explore the complexities of human nature and the perennial allure of the mysterious.

Download or read book BRITISH MURDER MYSTERIES Boxed Set 350 Thriller Classics Detective Novels True Crime Stories written by Agatha Christie and published by e-artnow. This book was released on 2017-12-19 with total page 18263 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This meticulously edited collection is formatted for your eReader with a functional and detailed table of contents: Edgar Wallace: The Four Just Men The Council of Justice The Just Men of Cordova The Law of the Four Just Men The Nine Bears Angel Esquire The Fourth Plague or Red Hand Grey Timothy or Pallard the Punter The Man who Bought London The Melody of Death A Debt Discharged The Tomb of T'Sin The Secret House The Clue of the Twisted Candle Down under Donovan The Man who Knew The Green Rust Kate Plus Ten The Daffodil Murder Jack O'Judgment The Angel of Terror The Crimson Circle Take-A-Chance Anderson The Valley of Ghosts P.-C. Lee Series Arthur Conan Doyle: Sherlock Holmes Series A Study in Scarlet The Sign of Four The Hound of the Baskervilles The Valley of Fear The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes The Return of Sherlock Holmes His Last Bow Other Mysteries True Crime Stories Wilkie Collins: The Woman in White No Name Armadale The Moonstone The Haunted Hotel The Law and The Lady The Dead Secret Miss or Mrs? R. Austin Freeman: Dr. Thorndyke Series Other Mysteries Agatha Christie: The Mysterious Affair at Styles The Secret Adversary H. C. McNeile: Bulldog Drummond The Black Gang G. K. Chesterton: The Innocence of Father Brown The Wisdom of Father Brown Arthur Morrison: Martin Hewitt Series Dorrington & Hicks Stories Ernest Bramah: Max Carrados Stories Victor L. Whitechurch: The Canon in Residence Thrilling Stories of the Railway Thomas W. Hanshew: Hamilton Cleek Series E. W. Hornung: A. J. Raffles Series Mystery Novels J. S. Fletcher: Mystery Novels Paul Campenhaye – Specialist in Criminology Rober Barr: The Triumph of Eugéne Valmont Jennie Baxter, Journalist The Adventures of Sherlaw Kombs The Adventure of the Second Swag Frank Froest Mystery Novels C. N. Williamson & A. M. Williamson Mystery Novels Isabel Ostander Mystery Novels

Download or read book THE GREAT BRITISH DETECTIVES Boxed Set 270 Thriller Classics Murder Mysteries Illustrated Edition written by Arthur Conan Doyle and published by Good Press. This book was released on 2024-01-18 with total page 10888 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: THE GREAT BRITISH DETECTIVES boxed set is an unparalleled collection that spans the rich tapestry of early twentieth-century British detective literature. Curated to showcase the diversity of narrative techniques, settings, and characters, this anthology embarks on a thrilling journey through the fog-laden streets of London to the country's quaint villages, encapsulating the golden age of detective fiction. The assortment includes seminal works that have shaped the genre, blending intellectual puzzles with suspenseful storytelling, and features contributions from literary titans to hidden gems. The thematic cohesion around mystery and intrigue is brilliantly executed, offering readers an exhaustive exploration of the detective genre's evolution. The authors represented in this collectionamong them Arthur Conan Doyle, G. K. Chesterton, and Edgar Wallacebring together a wealth of literary experience and accolades. Their backgrounds, ranging from journalism to medicine, have informed their storytelling, infusing their narratives with authenticity and complexity. This anthology situates itself within significant literary and cultural movements, reflecting societal anxieties and the universal quest for truth and justice. These narratives not only entertain but also offer intriguing insights into the zeitgeist of early 20th-century Britain. For aficionados of detective stories, THE GREAT BRITISH DETECTIVES boxed set opens a veritable treasure chest of narrative riches. The volume is an indispensable addition to the libraries of those keen to immerse themselves in the intrigue and intellect of classic detective literature. It stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the genre, inviting readers on a journey of discovery through the minds of its most gifted architects. This collection is not merely a historical artifact; it is a vibrant conversation across generations, inviting reflection on the timeless themes of morality, law, and the human condition.